Would you like some tips on taking more natural photographs of your young children? Do you chase them with your camera phone and shout things like, “Look here, Lottie!” or “Big smile now, good girl!”? Do you want to avoid fake, cheesy smiles or your kid running away from the camera? Want to know how I get authentic expressions and natural looking images of children? Well then, read on! I’ve put together some of my favourite tips for you:

1. Ask them to jump up and down on the spot as fast as they can. Match their excitement and happiness, and give them lots of encouragement. Let them jump a few times and then say STOP abruptly! Take the photo once their feet land back on the ground and chances are you’ll get a super happy expression like this:

2. When you are taking a photo of your child, have someone stand right behind you and get them to play peek-a-boo with your little subject. Your ‘assistant’ can also pull funny faces/sing/act silly!. Works every time ;)

3. For a change, don’t ask them to look at the camera. Photograph them when they are playing, either alone or with someone else. Get down on their level. Camera unaware images are ALWAYS natural looking.

4. Embrace the mood! Not all pictures of children have to be happy, you know! Children have a HUGE range of expressions and many different moods. I always find moodier images to be far more interesting than a happy photo. It makes you wonder… What are they looking at? What are they thinking? So capature all expressions!

5. If you have a family pet, take photos of your child when they are with the pet. This works great with a dog especially, as they can run together outdoors, but also works with other pets. Again, a child looking at/intereacting with the pet will always illict natural expressions.

6. Almost all kids love to be outside. They tend to love exploring and enjoying nature. I love to take photos of children when they are lost in a moment outdoors, be it smelling a flower, climbing a tree, or blowing dandelion petals. Just let them do their thing and you will get wonderful, natural photographs.

I really hope you found these tips helpful! Do let me know, and if you know someone with small children, feel free to share this blog post with them.

Peace and love xoxo